Firefighters stand near the damaged bus which crashed in Fagnieres, near Chalons-en-Champagne in France

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Interski previously denied liability for the tragic road smash in Champagne-Ardenne in which Alvechurch Middle School teacher Peter Rippinton died and 20 pupils were injured in February 2012.

But the tour operator has since claimed responsibility after their driver, Derek Thompson, was found guilty of manslaughter in March.

Toni Smith Carrington said that the U-turn by the firm will help her 15-year-old daughter Freya, who suffered severe injuries, to move forward from the terrible incident.

“Finally after three and a half years we have an admission of liability and hopefully this will mean that Freya and other victims can receive compensation to pay for surgery and treatment which are still required.

Driver Derek Thompson was found guilty of manslaughter earlier this year

“I doubt people fully appreciate that those injured continue to struggle both physically and psychologically.

“Now that Interski have admitted liability for what happened, this may help gain some closure for everyone involved, which is desperately needed and long overdue.

“I do however feel for the ski instructors who have not yet had an admission of liability for their claims.”

Many of the passengers on the coach are now planning to sue for compensation from the firm.

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell representing around 25 of those on board explained the move would ‘pave the way’ for the firm to seek care packages for crash victims, many of which had life changing injuries.

Cheryl Palmer-Hughes, a specialist International Serious Injury Lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “We are very pleased that Interski has finally accepted responsibility for this incident, even though it is very disappointing that they have only done so after more than three years and following lengthy legal proceedings against them.

“Many of our clients have been left with serious and life-changing injuries as a result of the coach crash back in 2012. We can now focus on continuing to ensure that the victims get the compensation and support they need and deserve to help them overcome their injuries.

“This is a major step forward and it is a huge relief to the families who we represent.”